New Delhi: India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin-Salman on Tuesday, to counter Pakistan’s claims on Jammu and Kashmir.
The visit by the NSA comes close on the heels of a stopover made by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at Riyadh before he went to New York to participate in the UN General Assembly meeting recently. Khan had been trying to garner Islamic nations’ support on the Kashmir issue and managed to rope in Turkey, Malaysia and China. However, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have taken a ‘neutral’ stand on the issue.
Official said that while a wide range of bilateral issues were discussed, the status of J&K was also part of the discussion.
The Saudi Crown Prince, on his part, expressed understanding about India’s approach and actions in Jammu and Kashmir. He had helped Pakistan with a $ 6 billion aid and has decided to invest $100 billion in India.
The visit is expected to further strengthen the ties between India and Saudi Arabia. “The objective is to help identify specific areas of cooperation at a time when Saudi Arabia is looking to diversify its economy in line with MbS’ vision 2030,” said sources.
Doval also held meetings with his Saudi counterpart Musaid al-Aiban. They discussed issues of national and regional security, highlighting the importance of close security ties.
Doval is expected to interact with top leaders of the UAE today.
